Minneapolis, MN
Hennepin Avenue businesses are hoping to see a boost
MINNEAPOLIS — Small businesses along one of Minneapolis’ busiest corridor struggled to stay open through this summer’s construction and some didn’t survive.
But there’s new hope along Hennepin now that the first phase of the Hennepin Avenue South reconstruction project wrapped up. This means the stretch between West Lake Street and West 26th Street is open once again.
8 months ago, Robert Sorenson was bracing for a major economic hit.
“It’s been extremely difficult,” Sorenson said.
The good news, Bobby Bead still stands though on shaky ground.
“It’s been a disaster for all businesses on this block,” Sorenson said.
Since construction began, Sorenson says his sales have plummeted by 90% forcing him to take out a loan just to keep the lights on.
Hoban Korean BBQ is also feeling the heat. Tarpeh says the lack of customers directly impacts his pockets as a server taking home about $500 less a paycheck since the construction began. But he’s banking on the reopening and customer support to help them bounce back.
Last year — Americans spent a whopping $17 billion on Small Business Saturday. A boost that these businesses say they need.
“Looking forward to business returning to normal,” Sorenson said.
The second phase of the project will reconstruct Hennepin Avenue from 26th Street to Douglas Avenue in 2025.
Minneapolis leaders are divided over whether to keep paying for ShotSpotter as the city weighs a new contract for the gunfire detection system.
A public hearing at City Hall focused on the technology as Minneapolis negotiates a new contract with SoundThinking, the company that provides ShotSpotter. Deputy Chief of Investigations Travis Riddle told the council the system supports gun violence strategies and can alert police no later than 60 seconds after shots are fired.
Critics at the hearing said the technology is not proven enough and argued the money could be spent in other ways. The proposed deal would cost $3.7 million through 2029 and would expand ShotSpotter into new areas of Minneapolis.
“We have actually had a contract with SoundThinking for their ShotSpotter services since 2014, and even with this technology for over 12 years now, MPD’s solve rates for homicides and non-fatal shootings were some of the worst in the country,” Council member Robin Wonsley said.
Council members pushed back on the long-term proposal and said they want a one-year deal instead. Council Member LaTrisha Vetaw disagreed with concerns raised by her colleague during the debate.
“In my opinion, and in folks I’ve heard from the North Side who have shown up here time and time again to say that we want this technology, we believe that ShotSpotter is a tool that the police use to save lives,” LaTrisha Vetaw said
City Council is set to take up the issue again on June 17. Minneapolis police are expected to return with a one-year contract instead of the three-year contract brought forward at the hearing.
Premiere vocal ensemble, Cantus is bringing the songs of Dolly Parton to the stage with fresh interpretations. The show will cover her classics like “Jolene,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You.” Cantus Presents, COVERS: Dolly & Friends runs through June 7th at the Luminary Arts Center at 700 N 1st St. in Minneapolis.
Minneapolis police are investigating a hit-and-run that left a man seriously injured Tuesday afternoon.
The crash happened near Oliver Avenue North and Lowry Avenue North just before 2 p.m., according to the Minneapolis Police Department.
Investigators say an SUV struck another vehicle, which then collided with a motorcyclist. The driver of the SUV then fled the scene.
The motorcyclist was taken to the hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries. Police say the driver of the other vehicle was not injured.
No arrests have been made as of Tuesday night.
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